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Wheels for June 14 by John Kanelis
Public education is a $40 billion enterprise in Texas, says Rod Schroder, and there is no way to simplify the huge task of paying for it. Rod, superintendent of the Amarillo Independent School District, told us during his program that more cuts are on the horizon when the next Legislature convenes in January. The state will continue to battle equitable funding for the foreseeable future. Local taxes account for 43 percent of total school funding; 37 percent comes from the state; 9 percent comes from the federal government. In Texas, when property values go up, the state -- by law -- must reduce its contribution. The good news for AISD residents is that property taxes have remained relatively flat the past four years. But there's going to plenty of angst coming our way as the state continues to search for equity in paying for public schools. Thanks for a great program, Rod.
Jeff Lester gave us another Hold-Up report, this time telling us about two friends from Lafayette, La., who got "arrested" at the Texas Travel Info Center by APD Cpl. Jerry Neufeld. The friends are Terry Graham and Stella Guidry, who were treated to a night's lodging, dinner at Feldman's Wrong Way Diner and a performance of the musical "Texas" in Palo Duro Canyon.
Still looking for volunteers for the Annual Rotary Hold-up. Jeff Lester said we need hosts for June 27. Get in touch with Jeff at jeff.lester@amarillo.gov.
Rotary After Hours is set for July 12 at the Bar Z Winery. The event will go from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the winery. Heavy hors d'oeuvres, wine and beer will be served. The even also will include a tour of the winery. Cost is $20 for Rotary members and $35 for non-Rotarians. The event will take the place of our noon meeting that day. Please RSVP to Gina by July 2.
District 5730 Gov. David Norris is at the end of his term. And he has a district conference under his belt. Well done, Gov. Norris. And Corinna Isbell, who chaired the conference this year, offered thanks to many club members who contributed to the successful conference in Ruidoso, N.M. One of the many successes enjoyed by the district during David's term is the giving to the Rotary International Foundation, which this year has hit $285,000 "with money still coming in," as David said.
This year's Camp RYLA is over and was a smashing success. District RYLA chair Ken McIntosh put it this way: "We had a fantastic week. We were 104 campers strong, along with 17 wonderful staff who did all their jobs exceptionally well. In addition, the Lone Tree staff was professional, engaging and supportive as ever. We are working on a PowerPoint for clubs to use when you in bring in someone to do a program on RYLA. Be sure to invite the students you sponsored. I especially want to thank David Norris, Jim Cole, Ken and Elynn Paterson and John Scott for their support, suggestions and participation. You guys made this year's camp a marvelous success! Thank you for sending the best kids ever. We
definitely worked with school leaders from all over West Texas."
District Gov.-elect Paul Anderson will be installed Friday. Where? First United Methodist Church Christian Life Center in Lubbock. When? The event begins at 6 p.m. What to wear? Business attire.
Hors d'oeuvres will be served.
Your help is requested on July 4 for a fundraiser for Kids Cafe at Wonderland Park. To volunteer for a two hour shift that day, please contact Renee' Wilson or let Gina know. You family is invited to attend too!
Kudos this week to: President John Early for presiding. Doyle Moore for leading us in song. Melvin Edes for providing the invocation.
Dale Bippus for greeting us. Shara Hinchey for introducing guests and visiting Rotarians. John Kanelis for serving as June program chair.
Basil Walker for selling Rotary Foundation drawing tickets.
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